Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 373

ARIELLA

“Those are all nothing,” I said quickly. “This is all about Leon.” And then I stopped myself. “You see? This is all about Leon. The fact that he really likes her. But I am going to trust your instincts this time..... This is just a phase, and it will be over. Hopefully soon.”

“You have to get it out of your head,” he said, kissing my forehead.

“Hmm,” I responded noncommittally.

“Come here.” He shifted, settling back into the bed, pulling me with him until my head rested against his chest.

I listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as he got comfortable. A few seconds later, I knew he was already asleep, but it took me longer. I lay there, listening… thinking. Wondering if I made the right choice hiring Sia.

Is this good for Leon, when I’ve never seen him act this way towards anyone?

Is it a good decision… considering she once had a crush on Asher?

But the decision was already made. There was no turning back now.

*

The next morning, Sia came to the house earlier than I thought possible... earlier than I thought tutors were supposed to.

I should have told her to come at eight. Because when Asher woke up in the morning.....early, at five, I was so tired from last night that I just turned to the other side. He laughed, went to do his business, got changed into his running gear, then came back to me, kissed my forehead, and told me he was going running with Leon.

He laughed wickedly as he walked away, and I just shook my head, already preparing myself for a dramatic Leon who was back from a run.

And then, at a quarter to seven, I heard laughter outside, voices. Very soon, I recognised Leon’s excitement, Asher’s deep voice… And then a woman's voice. I frowned before recognising it as Sia’s.

Not the way I would have loved to wake up this morning. But still....it surprised me. For a second, I thought I had slept over, but I knew Asher wasn’t back from his run yet. Leon wasn’t back either, because if they were… given Leon’s dramatic nature, I would have known.

So I looked at the clock and 6:45 stares back at me. Wow, I think to myself. I frowned slightly, wondering what the hell.... I mean, yes, the sun was out, but still… why would she be here this early?

So I put on a robe, not my best choice, and I regretted it instantly when I walked out. Because the moment I stepped outside, there she was..... Sia.

She was wearing this really beautiful red dress that ended below her knees. It hugged her in all the right places, with a long slit at the back, the kind that wasn’t visible unless she was walking. Her makeup was done, full and polished, and her hair was styled up… maybe a bit too much for this time of morning.

And there was Asher and Leon, both sweaty, breath still uneven from the run. And of course, Leon was clinging to Sia as always, talking, laughing, holding onto her like he had known her forever.

I don’t even know how he managed it, but he had himself between them, holding Sia’s hand and Asher’s hand at the same time. And I hated seeing the three of them standing there like that.

But the moment I opened the door and stepped out, Asher noticed me immediately. He let go of Leon’s hand without hesitation and came straight to me, pulling me in and kissing me on the mouth completely unconcerned with how I looked or who was watching.

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